If there was any doubt about how hard the spring classics are, #SamBennett just threw up. #GWE21#GWEmenpic.twitter.com/4pRdu8ihvd
— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) March 28, 2021
Come back to this later if you're tucking into your lunch...
Australian brand MAAP has released the 2021 version of its Evade Pro Base jersey with men's and women's short and long sleeve versions available.
The summer-weight jersey has been designed using "lightweight, breathable, knitted Italian fabrics" that, according to MAAP, are pre-dyed to prevent colour fade.
Other features include honeycomb mesh sleeves, reflective logos, elastic hem with internal silicone logo print, YKK Vislon Snap Lock Zip, SPF50+ sun protection factor, "pro" fit and a low profile collar.
MAAP says that "all fabrics have been sustainably manufactured with the Bluesign® system and the elastic hem is OEKO-TEX® certified, with an internal silicone logo print for an added flair. Bold reflective graphics maximise 360-degree visibility, 365 days of the year, and SPF50+ sun protection ensures you’re always covered no matter what the elements send your way."
The men's and women's jerseys come in a long or short sleeve, with men's sizes from XS - XXL and women's sizes from XXS - XL. There is a wide range of colours and you'll need to fork out €155.
Gloucestershire Constabulary asking motorists to give people on bikes space shouldn't be too controversial, should it? Gloucestershire Constabulary asking motorists to give kids cycling to school space should be even less so...
However, the force's social media campaign quickly descended into cyclist-bashing in the comments. Helmets, no lights, no hi-vis, red light jumping, pavement riding, two abreast, riding in large groups, not using cycle lanes, 'road tax' and, of course, bicycle registrations...were the main objections raised here. I make that a full house.
For context, let's take a quick look at what Gloucestershire Constabulary said to prompt these complaints. "It's [Operation Close Pass] an initiative being rolled out by forces across the UK, including ourselves, to reduce the number of accidents caused by drivers not giving enough space to people riding bikes.
"Operation Close Pass is designed to proactively detect and educate drivers who pass too close to cyclists. It is also timely as 21 local schools have so far signed-up to take part in the ‘Big Pedal 2021’, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge which aims to encourage active travel to and from school.
"Although the close pass scenario is not defined as a specific offence, the correct minimum passing distance is usually defined as 1.5 metres. Drivers seen passing cyclists within that space are liable to be stopped by police and spoken to on the spot. Anyone unreceptive to education will be cautioned for careless or dangerous driving and receive a court summons."
Fair enough? Here's what some of the people in the comments had to say...
"In the same way that dangerous drivers need to be taught this i hope that dangerous cyclists are also going to be given a lesson. Such as using lights, wearing a helmet, stopping at red lights & not riding in a cluster of cyclists so they can all have a good chat across the road making it impossible for other road users to get past. #equalrightsforall!!" Beth Staite's contributed.
Tim Hopkins added: "Going through lights jumping of pavements without looking over taking on the inside forming up twenty plus at a time during lockdown riding over twenty miles during lockdown when I couldn't take my motorbike out need I say any more nope because they are above the law."
At least Russ Brookes added some balance: "Ah it's time for a game of all cyclist's are evil and at fault for everything. Maybe if we all remembered we are all road users (weirdly enough I drive and cycle) and stop stereotyping and just treat everyone the same it might mean we get somewhere. You have good and bad road users what vehicle they use does not change that so stop getting on your high horses with the cliches."
#NacerBouhanni was relegated after this little maneuver in the finish sprint at Cholet-Pays de la Loire. pic.twitter.com/xWBVcZCqeI
— CyclingTips (@cyclingtips) March 28, 2021
FDJ's British rider Jake Stewart was not best pleased with Nacer Bouhanni's sprint at Cholet-Pays de la Loire yesterday and had a few choice words for his Arkéa–Samsic rival...
Yo @BouhanniNacer I would ask you what you was thinking...but you clearly have no brain cells. The ironic thing is, you told me I had 'no respect' after the finish. Here's an educational video of what 'no respect' looks like... 😶 https://t.co/nk5Bp6lE0V
— Jake (@jakey_stewart) March 28, 2021
The Frenchman was disqualified for his actions but some have argued that punishment on its own doesn't go far enough. Dylan Groenewegen got a nine-month ban for his involvement in the Tour of Poland crash last August that left Fabio Jakobsen in a medically-induced coma. Should Bouhanni also be facing a lengthy ban?
This behaviour is unacceptable and the same sanction must be imposed regardless of riders coming down or not.
— Callum Macleod (@CallumMacleod14) March 28, 2021
That’s just as bad as Groenewegen v Jacobson. Different outcome. But intent and recklessness on a par.
— Pedro (@pedro118118) March 28, 2021
More than 30 cycling and motoring groups have come together to demand Police Scotland creates a camera footage reporting system to make it easier to report and prosecute road crimes. Of the 45 UK police forces, 40 already use a system which allows people to upload camera footage and report incidents. Cycling UK data found that having a proper system can cut an average of 8 to12 hours of police time per case.
The AA, road safety charity Brake, the RAC and Cycling UK were among the coalition lobbying for improvement. In a letter the group says: "A camera footage system would be good news for all responsible road users and the police. The only bad news would be for irresponsible and law-breaking road users who would be more effectively held to account."
They emphasised a reporting system would help the Scottish Government meet their Vision Zero target for eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. Cyclists may still have concerns about how police forces deal with their footage once it has been submitted but some figures from Wales and Northumbria suggests reporting systems can be effective.
Between December 2019 and January 2021, Operation Snap in Wales saw the police take action against poor driving in 58 per cent of cases where footage was submitted. Northumbria Police says 77 per cent of submissions resulted in action being taken against drivers.